Fatherhood Field Notes

Ned is hitting pause on the podcast—not because he’s stepping away, but because he’s stepping in. In this special episode, he shares why he’s taking a short break to recalibrate, refocus, and make sure his best creative energy is first poured into his wife and kids. From moving into a new home to planning adventures with his family, to reevaluating where his time is best spent, Ned is leaning into...

Ned keeps it real in this one—talking about the ups and downs of showing up for your kids. One moment, they’re shutting you out, and the next, you’re catching waves together, having the best conversation. The key? Keep showing up. He also talks about burning out after pushing too hard and how rest and a good workout can change everything. Simple stuff, but it makes all the difference. --------- Tr...

Ever tried herding cats? That's parenting in a nutshell. Ned talks about the dad-life balancing act, sharing tips on carving out family time amidst the chaos. We're talking planning a family retreat (bribery may be involved), setting the mood (dad jokes encouraged, but use sparingly), and getting everyone on the same page (good luck with that). It's all about taking the initiative, even if your fa...

This episode of Fatherhood Field Notes features an incredible conversation with Stephen Kaplan—Navy SEAL, leader, business owner, husband, and father. Steve dives into the deep waters of what it means to truly honor and respect, the two things that define a man, and how to live with a multi-generational mindset. Packed with raw stories, powerful wisdom, and practical advice, this episode is an aut...

Johnny Nuñez is a dad, fighter, and entrepreneur who joins the podcast to talk about balancing his ambition with being a dad. He shares life lessons from the MMA ring and how he raises honest and strong kids. Johnny opens up about the ups and downs of being a dad, how he teaches his kids discipline, supports his wife's dreams, and redefines what it means to leave a legacy through intentional pare...

Ned discusses the weight of fatherhood decisions, inspired by wisdom from St. Benedict's rule. Drawing on insights from a seasoned guest with over 25 years of fathering experience, Ned tackles the delicate balance between leading a family with authority and serving with humility. Let’s explore the pitfalls of passive fatherhood and the importance of making choices rooted in love, teamwork, and sel...

Ned talks with Shawn French, host of The Determined Society Podcast, husband, father, and business owner. Shawn talks about the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, sharing real-life moments that shaped his journey. From the importance of leading by example to navigating personal growth, Shawn opens up about how he’s striving to show up as the best version of himself for his family. Together, the...

Ned has three critical questions that he’s reflecting on as a dad and leader: how to protect time, whether success is being pursued in meaningful ways, and how to define success in alignment with core values. He urges dads to pause, evaluate their priorities, and reconsider how they’re showing up for their families. Ned encourages men to rethink their approach to time, work, and fatherhood, aiming...

Are your actions driven for identity or from identity? Ned explains how our motives shape the way we show up as fathers, husbands, and leaders. Sharing moments like coaching his son and planning a Disneyland trip—he wants dads to examine their intentions and recognize when they're seeking validation versus acting from a secure sense of purpose. Ned points out the importance of self-awareness, owne...

Ned sits down with Lawrence Dunning—author, former pro MMA fighter, investor, and intentional father—for an honest conversation about fatherhood, fitness, and focus. Lawrence shares how his journey from high-stakes competition to intentional parenting shaped his perspective on marriage, personal growth, and raising a son. They discuss the importance of prioritizing marriage before parenting, findi...

Ned talks about the responsibility each dad holds for shaping not just their children but future generations. He shares insights on how pausing to reflect and plan for the next year ties into a broader vision for 100 years of impact and beyond. Ned has four practical questions, challenging dads to rethink their role, relationships, and schedules with an eye toward generational influence. Ned urges...

Ned interviews Chaz Wolfe, a husband, father of four, and serial entrepreneur, to discuss what it means to take full responsibility for the next 100 years of your family’s legacy. Chaz shares what he thinks about stepping into your role as a father and leader, casting a vision for your family, and pulling out the God-given gifts in your children. They also talk about what it looks like to balance...

Ned opens up about the hardships and rewards of being a dad, especially on days when motivation feels really low. He talks about how important it is to lead yourself first so you can effectively lead your own family. Ned gives dads 5 steps that explore the power of rest, presence, faith, fitness, and intentional planning. He hopes dads feel encouraged to rise above excuses and fully embrace the me...

Ned revisits an impactful conversation with Mike Crow, a seasoned father, grandfather, and business coach, who shares timeless wisdom about fatherhood and family life. Together, they talk about important lessons on decision-making in the home, fostering a lasting family culture, and the power of family meetings. Mike’s unique takes, including how confidence, intentional parenting, and making envir...

Ned is exploring how the timeless wisdom of St. Benedict, a sixth-century monk, is shaping his approach to fatherhood. He takes us through his morning routines with his son and how reading and discussing "The Rule" has opened the door to meaningful conversations about identity, purpose, and responsibility. Despite the initial pushback from his teenage son, Ned explains how patience and consistency...

Lane Williams brought the heat on this episode. He opened up his notes on his journey from a tough upbringing and time in prison to becoming the kind of man who’s rewriting his family’s legacy. He shared how deciding to be a good man wasn’t just about him—it was about raising a good man and breaking generational cycles. We talked about forgiveness, being vulnerable, and how going into fatherhood w...

Ned talks about the subtle ways insecurities and coping mechanisms can unintentionally shape the essence of a home. He shares a moment of reckoning when his wife’s reaction made him confront a long-standing habit of teasing and judgment. Ned goes into how these behaviors, rooted in his own struggles, have influenced his children and family culture. He is challenging dads to examine the 'spirit' th...

Ned sits down with Locke Haman to discuss the wake-up calls that shaped Locke’s journey as a father and husband. They talk about overcoming self-doubt, building a stronger marriage, and showing up for their kids in meaningful ways. Locke shares how he’s learning to love himself, the importance of teaching kids how to handle emotions, and why fathers must fight for their families. Together, they ex...

Ned talks about the role of questions in fatherhood, challenging the "fix-it" mindset that many dads fall into. He shares how asking thoughtful questions can empower kids to think for themselves and make their own choices, rather than constantly giving them the answers. Reflecting on his own week, Ned discusses the importance of carving out intentional time with his kids, creating those "micro mom...

Ned has an unfiltered conversation with Braden Rubey, a father, CrossFit coach, and cancer fighter. Braden shares his journey into fatherhood, his battle with stage four melanoma, and how his faith, family, and fitness keep him grounded. From grappling with the raw emotions of a late-stage diagnosis to staying present for his family, Braden’s story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerabi...

Ned invites fathers to think about how they’re showing up in their kids' lives by simply asking, "How have you spoken to your kids this week?" He talks about the power of silence and self-reflection, encouraging dads to set aside time to ponder how their words and presence impact their families. Ned digs into two common fatherhood traps—being passive or being overly corrective—and asks fellow dads...

Ned sits down with longtime friend and fitness coach Josh Seykora to dive into the realities of fatherhood. They talk about the importance of presence, self-control, and guiding children to make their own choices within healthy boundaries. Josh shares what he’s been through as a father and what he hopes to instill in his kids before they step into adulthood. Tune in to hear Ned and Josh’s conversa...

Ned opens up about the importance of self-reflection and honest questioning in the journey of fatherhood. After a conversation with a friend that sparked some deep thinking, Ned explores the power of asking meaningful questions—not just to justify actions or criticize oneself, but to dig deeper. He challenges fathers to pause and ask, "Who or what am I neglecting?" From overlooked relationships to...

Ned sits down with Scott Groves for an honest look into the realities of fatherhood and balancing family with demanding careers. Scott opens up about the challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his journey as a father, from building a connection with his young kids to reconnecting with a 15-year-old son he didn’t know existed. Together, they explore the small actions and mindful choices that bu...

Ned reflects on the profound impact fathers have on shaping their children’s identity and future. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with mentors, he explores the idea that fathers are like prophets in their children's lives, speaking truths—both positive and negative—that shape their kids' sense of self. He emphasizes the critical importance of being intentional with words and ac...